Conservation Biology

• What is Conservation Biology?

  It is a science focused on preserving biodiversity.
• What questions does Conservation Biology ask?

  It asks how to preserve diversity.
• What is one of the uses of Conservation Biology?

  It utilizes ecology, physiology, molecular biology, and genetics.
• What is the extinction rate compared to the background rate?

  Extinction rates are 100-1,000 times the background rate.
• What are the three types of diversity impacted by humans?

  Humans impact genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
• What is one way to protect species threatened by human activities?

  One way is to restore or preserve the habitat of threatened species.
• What are the ways to protect the diversity of life?

  • Restore or preserve habitat of threatened species
  • End the overharvesting of species in decline
  • Protect "hot spots" of high biodiversity
  • Establish regional networks of protected areas
  • Combat climate changes and other global environmental changes
• What are some benefits of biodiversity?

  Benefits include ecosystem services like air/water purification and pollination.
• What are some conservation threats?

  Conservation threats include habitat loss, invasive species, and over-harvesting.
• What are some extinction risks?

  Extinction risks include small and/or fragmented populations and habitat loss.
• What is the Minimum Viable Population?

  It is the smallest population size needed for a species to survive.
• What does viability analysis assess?

  It assesses the chances for survival within a specified time frame.
• What is landscape structure in conservation biology?

  It refers to fragmentation, edges, size, shape, boundaries, and connections.
• What are diversity hot spots?

  Diversity hot spots are small areas with many endemic or rare species.

  
• What are some problems with focusing on "hot spots"?

  Problems include excluding many taxa and bias towards vertebrates and plants.
• What are nature reserves in conservation biology?

  Nature reserves are biodiversity "islands" in a sea of impact and loss.
• What are the goals of conservation biology?

  • Preserve biodiversity
  • Protect endangered species
  • Restore habitats
  • Mitigate human impacts
• What are the major threats to conservation?

  • Habitat loss
  • Invasive species
  • Over-harvesting
  • Global change
• How do size, shape, and connectivity affect reserves and landscapes?

  • Size affects population viability
  • Shape influences edge effects
  • Connectivity allows species movement